Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate and Sirens Ritter Sport will be looking to put their league woes behind them when they meet in the first semi-final of the BOV Premier League Knock-Out this evening at the National Pool.

The two contestants are out of contention for the title as Sliema, with only six points from six games, trail leaders and rivals Neptunes Emirates by 12 points while Sirens are second-from-bottom on three.

The hopes of Sliema and Sirens of salvaging a hitherto disappointing season rest on the Knock-Out.

Although Neptunes, who take on strugglers Exiles Ferretti in tomorrow’s second semi-final, are hot favourites to retain the cup, the element of surprise is stronger in knock-out competitions.

To keep their KO glory hopes alive, Sliema and Sirens must first book their place in the final by prevailing in what promises to be a keenly-contested last-four match.

Peter Decesare, Sliema’s interim coach, will surely be hoping that his team repeat the sprightly showing that lifted them to a 12-6 defeat of San Ġiljan Sir Alex in the only KO preliminary round match.

Sirens failed to secure a psychological boost ahead of their KO semi-final after going down 17-10 to the Saints in a league match on Wednesday.

Italian coach Marco Risso will call on his two Hungarian players, Csaba Kiss and Arpad Babay, to inspire their less-experienced Maltese team-mates to a bold performance as Sirens look to defy expectations.

In their only league meeting so far this season, Sliema edged Sirens 10-9.

In the second semi-final, Neptunes are widely expected to dismiss the challenge of minnows Exiles who are finding the going very tough this season.

The gulf between the two sides is reflected by their positions in the championship standings as, while Neptunes have a maximum 18 points from six games, Exiles are bottom of the class with no points after five games. Neptunes beat Exiles 11-6 on the opening day of the league season.

Programme

Today: KO SFs – 18.00 Marsascala vs Ta’ Xbiex. 19.15 Sliema vs Sirens.

Tomorrow: KO SFs – 18.00 Valletta vs Marsaxlokk. 19.15 Neptunes vs Exiles.

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